"This summer, I've had time to work individually with guys, get to know guys. Our talent level is higher than it was last year. Going into the season, guys know what the expectations are. They know what to do offensively, defensively. Just from working them this summer, it makes all the difference. Now they know the pace of practices, of games.

"Last season was almost like an adrenaline rush. We were rushing through training camp, rushing through the regular season. With two exhibition games, we had to correct things on the fly."